NEWS
The Mariners have hired Amanda Hopkins, the daughter of former Oakland A’s scout Ron Hopkins. She will be a fulltime amateur scout.
The Marlins plan on moving fences in as much as 10 feet and alter height to as low as 5 ½ feet in some places.
TRANSACTIONS
The Rockies have signed a pair of RHP’s to contracts. Jason Motte 2 years/$10 million and Chad Qualls 2 years/$6 million.
The Cardinals have acquired 2B Jedd Gyorko and cash from the Padres. The Padres will receive OF Jon Jay.
The Braves have signed C Tyler Flowers to a 2 year/$5.3 million contract.
The Cubs have signed IF/OF Ben Zobrist to a 4 year/$56 million contract.
The Yankees have acquired 2B/SS Starlin Castro from the Cubs. The Cubs will receive RHP Adam Warren and a PTBNL.
The D-Backs have acquired RHP Shelby Miller and minor league LHP Gabe Speier from the Braves. The Braves will receive OF Ender Inciarte, #1 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft SS Dansby Swanson and prospect RHP Aaron Blair.
The Mariners have acquired RHP Evan Scribner from the A’s. The A’s will receive minor league RHP Trey Cochran-Hill.
RUMORS
There is a “mystery team” making a very strong bid for RHP Jose Fernandez.
The Angels and OF Justin Upton have had ongoing talks.
The Marlins have received multiple calls on RHP A.J. Ramos.
The Giants are hoping to land one of the top free agent outfielders.
The Orioles have reportedly offered 1B Chris Davis a contract “in the neighborhood” of $150 million.
The A’s and White Sox have had serious trade discussions involving 3B Brett Lawrie.